Everton join Southampton with interest in €15m signing, Koeman to tussle with Puel

Southampton have been one of the clubs repeatedly linked with Ryad Boudebouz. Back in December, Claude Puel’s side were stated as interested, but a winter move was unlikely given Montpellier’s battle against relegation from Ligue 1.

That battle has been won, and Boudebouz was a big part of it. Montpellier are now accepting the 27 year old can leave the club in the next window, and L’Equipe report on Tuesday that the fee will be €15m. That’s the same price France Football reported in April, so would appear to have something behind it.

Now, more teams are brought in by L’Equipe, one of them being Everton. Ronald Koeman’s side are named alongside Southampton, with Newcastle, Lazio, and Lyon making up the list.

Boudebouz had been eyeing a move outside of France, but is tempted by the Lyon interest.

In the Premier League, Everton would feel they have the advantage, given their league position, and, should Ross Barkley leave, Koeman may be able to find a starting role for the player.

With 11 league goals and 9 assists so far this season, Boudebouz would be a great addition if he could transfer that to the Premier League.